SPOTLIGHT ON START-UPS
DuPont
Despite not having an official, internal incubator programme, the American chemical company says it is committed to open innovation.
Head of communications for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Aparecido Silveira told us: “We work with customers, governments, universities, non-profits and consumers around the world. With research facilities in over 150 locations around the world, our scientists have the ability to develop rich insights about local customer needs and foresight about where the next challenges will arise.
Earlier this year, the company’s nutrition and health president, Matthias Heinzel, said it is “totally open to working with external partners.”
“There are start-ups out there looking for partners and we are every open to that,” he said.
“They operate differently but our experience is that it is stimulating for both sides. It is never easy but I think we have good examples of where working together elevates the overall outcome. We need to make sure that we talk to them eye to eye and not come across as the big global player. Our teams like that and I feel we are making good progress with those companies.”
